president obama arrived in new jersey for a close-up look at the damage. the president took a chopper tour with governor chris christie over devastated areas of the state where super storm sandy hit with full force. >> we are here for you and we will not forget. we will follow up to make sure you get all the help you need until you rebuild. >> reporter: record storm surge took out atlantic city's boardwalk. the surge brought the beach on to the main street. there are feet and feet of sand piled up as if it were a snowstorm. the real family came out on bicycles to see the devastation. >> never saw sand like that. that's due to the storm surge i think. >> reporter: farther up the shore this is what's left of the famous boardwalk in seaside heights. the roller coaster is crumbled in the ocean the ferris wheel suspended over open water. storm lifted homes off foundations and crumpled up bottles. fire continued to burn on a stream of natural gas leaks. in hoboken residents are waiting for rescues trapped in homes. the water has no place to go. >> it will take t